Top 3 Herbal Remedies for Anxiety

Anxiety is our body’s natural response to ‘fight or flight’ instances. All of us feel anxiety and become tense when we are under pressure or are facing a stressful situation; however, if your anxiety is persistent and without any concrete reason, it is an indication of an anxiety disorder. Herbal remedies for anxiety offer you an inexpensive and effective way of dealing with anxiety.

Given below are the top 3 herbal remedies for anxiety.

PASSIONFLOWER
The herb passionflower is one of the most effective herbal remedies for anxiety. Practitioners of folk medicine were aware of the benefits of this herb and used it extensively for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. Health experts today have also acknowledged the various benefits of passionflower and recommend it for the treatment of anxiety.

A study involving 198 people to measure the efficacy of passionflower as an anxiety healer concluded that passionflower is as effective as benzodiazepine drugs. Two other blind studies reveal that passionflower helped in reducing general anxiety disorder. However, the study also concluded that passionflower was less effective than the anti-depressant Oxazepam.

The side effects of this herb include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and a rapid heartbeat.

Caution

• Don’t take passionflower with alcohol.
• Herbal remedies for anxiety such as passionflower should not be taken with another sedative unless approved by your doctor.
• Pregnant or breast-feeding women, children, or individuals who have a history of liver problems should not take passionflower unless under medical supervision.

VALERIAN
Valerian is another herb that sits at the top of the list of herbal remedies for anxiety. Valerian has been found to be very effective in curing mild anxiety and insomnia.

You can take valerian in the form of valerian tea or capsule. Valerian should be consumed 60 minutes before sleeping. You require about 15-20 days to show tangible results. This herb should not be taken for more than 90 days at a time.

The side effects of valerian include headache, mild indigestion, dizziness, and palpitations.

Caution

• Do not take valerian with other sedatives and antihistamines.
• Like other herbal remedies for anxiety, Valerian too should not be taken with alcohol.
• Individuals with liver disease should not take valerian.

KAVA KAVA
A list of herbal remedies for anxiety will be incomplete if it doesn’t mention Kava. This herb has been used for many years as an anti-anxiety element.

The best way to consume Kava is by making a powder of its roots and then drinking them with water or milk. Do not soak Kava in hot water or milk, as this will curb the release of kavalactones that lends Kava its soothing properties.

Caution

• Like the other two herbal remedies for anxiety discussed above, kava too should be avoided by individuals with liver disease.
• Some reports suggest that the long-term use of Kava may damage the liver. Do not use Kava especially in form of Kava supplements for extended periods unless you are medically supervised.
• Some people report skin rashes or irritation when they drink kava. Stop using Kava if you report these symptoms.

Herbal remedies for anxiety offer you anxiety treatment that is inexpensive, effective, and laced with fewer side effects than conventional anti-anxiety medications. Consult your doctor to identify the herbal remedy that will suit your condition and offer you a quick and permanent solution.

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